Question

analysis and conclusions:

1. based on arrival times, which type of seismic wave moves fastest?
2. what general locations on earth do we see the most seismic activity? do your epicenters from this lab support that? (hint: use esrt pg 5)
3. why do seismologists have to use three different seismic station readings in order to find the epicenter of an earthquake?
4. how are convection currents related to earthquakes?
5. how is proximity to the epicenter of an earthquake related to the amount of damage a building is likely to receive from it?

Explanation:

1. P - waves (primary waves) are compressional waves and travel fastest among seismic waves.
2. Most seismic activity occurs at tectonic plate boundaries (e.g., mid - ocean ridges, subduction zones). If the lab's epicenters are located near such boundaries, it supports this.
3. Using three different seismic station readings allows for triangulation. Each station gives a distance from the epicenter (a circle on a map). The intersection of three circles (from three stations) gives the epicenter.
4. Convection currents in the mantle cause the movement of tectonic plates. When plates interact (converge, diverge, or slide past each other), stress builds up and is released as earthquakes.
5. The closer a building is to the epicenter, the more intense the shaking (higher amplitude of seismic waves). So, it is more likely to receive greater damage.

Answer:

1. P - waves.
2. Tectonic plate boundaries. If lab epicenters are near them, yes.
3. For triangulation (intersection of three distance - circles).
4. Convection currents move plates; plate interactions cause earthquakes.
5. Closer to epicenter → more shaking → more damage.